Lowcountry Stages

150 Meeting St.    Charleston, SC 29401
843-723-4444

View Larger Map

A professional theater

Black Box intimate settings of cutting edge contemporary work

Artistic Director Sharon Graci
Entering its fifth season
 Price range $25

January 17 - April 17, 2008
The Tragedian
Reviewed by William Bryan

Rating:   (4/5)

Running time 80 minutes - no intermission

A mezmeriing story of one of the great actors of the 19th century

There could be no better proof of the validity of PURE Theatre's stated goals than cofounder and resident playwright Rodney Lee Rodgers' new creation The Tragedian. Having lost their normal black box space at the Cigar Factory at the end of December, their latest creation finds the company working as purely as might be possible. There is no fancy set. Simple some chairs set around the Circular Congregational Church vestibule on either side of a stage comprised of a section of flooring outlined by a string of portable footlights and illuminated by a single Fresnel. The only place for the audience's attention to focus is on the actor and his craft, and what an incredible experience this production becomes once Rodgers takes the stage. Though unknown to most, the Booth family was famous prior to John Wilkes moment of infamy. Their father was considered one of the premiere Shakespearian actors of the age, and all three of his sons followed in his footsteps with Edwin becoming the most famous. It is this life that Rodgers shows the audience rather than focusing on the well-trodden territory of the president's assassination.

Storyline:  The Story of Edwin Booth and his life as it was prior to the moment his brother John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln. A one-man show that follows Edwin from his first leading role at 19 through his travels around the world, his marriage and the events leading up to the assassination of the president. 

A World Premiere and the debut of the PURE Historical branch of the company, this is a fine contribution to theatrical society. Rodgers embodies Booth, or Booth Rodgers, and moments after the show begins, the uncertainty of what can be accomplished in such a limited space vanish, as does any idea that you are anywhere other than tagging along with Edwin on his trials and tribulations. There are many fine things to say about this production, but the greatest must be the leading man's ability to never break stride, even while manipulating bulky props or stepping though a curtain as if walking out on stage, he never loses focus, and neither does the audience.

There is quite a bit of Shakespearian dialogue in this production, and that prevent some theatergoers from attending, but what a loss to them. Rodgers delivers Hamlet with the same level of clarity that allowed Kenneth Branagh to restore the Bards works to some of their former glory, allowing the masses to understand what is being said without needing to change the lines. Rodgers ability to work with two simple props, a large red throw and a tall rectangular box frame, turning each into multiple other props as needed and desired is nothing short of astounding. Whether popping up from the box frame as if in a coffin, or holding the red throw as if it is a baby with such compassion that you expect to hear the child softly crying, this is what audiences attend the theater to experience.

The play is directed by Peter Karapetkov and curiosity must remain unsatisfied as to how much of the production was the work of Rodgers in its creation and presentation and how much credit goes to Karapetkov for staging and blocking but both men, and PURE itself, should be well satisfied with the results of their efforts. There is limited seating for these shows, so be sure to grab a seat while you can less you miss one of the best theatrical offerings here or anywhere this season.

Written by Rodney Lee Rodgers. Directed by Peter Karapetkov. Design Team: Peter Karapetkov, Rodney Lee Rogers and Julia Levy. Cast: Rodney Lee Rodgers.